Firemen's pensions increased

The Leachville City Council increased firemen and widows pensions, heard department reports and discussed the sidewalk near the new Veterans Park at the regular council meeting held Monday, May 10.

Mayor Sheila Spurlock opened the discussion for potential increases in the Firemen's Pension and Relief payments. A hundred dollar increase was approved by the council for retired firemen Wilburn Lovelady, Ed Young, Larry Towell, Joe Cashion, Bud Selby, and Terrell Kirby. This will raise the total to $250 per month. Firemen widows currently receive $100 a month and an increase of $50 was also approved for them.

"We have a lot of money ($132,000) in our firemen retirement fund, and I want to make sure they get it," Alderman Bruce Wilson said.

"My father (Jesse Johnson) wanted the retired firemen to get the money, and I want them to get it," Alderman Syrena Duffel said.

Police Chief Keith Evans listed April expenses for the Police Department at $615.95, with an income of $2,390.

"Our weather sirens are up and working and can be activated through our police radios. They are no longer activated by the county, and we take care of it ourselves. We also activate our police car sirens and drive up and down the streets to warn residents, if the weather warrants it."

Animal Control expenses for April were $90.14, with no income for the month.

Water Department Interim Supervisor Robert Ballard reported the replacement of 21 non-working water meters since April 1.

"We made a water tap on the Veteran's Memorial and one for Terry Chambers," Ballard said. "We also made a sewer tap for a new residence. A new water line and a galvanized hydrant were installed for the Fire Department. We repaired an aerator and fixed two water leaks."

Street Superintendent Dickie Coburn reported a few potholes had been fixed but more streets need to be repaired.

The council discussed the need for proper drainage and lack of drain tiles.

"We need drainage from the sewer plant to the Honey Cypress ditch," Alderman Tommy Stone said. "It is bottlenecked. We need to clear the drain running north and south by the Leachville Housing office."

Mark Johnson reported the Fire Department was working on their trucks.

"We had 25 fire responses in the last month and four fires in April," Johnson said. "The old fire truck is gone now, selling for $1,500. A new liner was put in the gas tank of the antique fire truck."

The council discussed the replacement of sidewalks on the south side of the new Veteran's Memorial. The current sidewalk is broken in pieces.

"I think we should look at the sidewalk at the V.A. park and consider replacing it," Councilman Stone said.

The council voted to table the issue. A special council meeting was scheduled for noon Tuesday, May 18, at city hall to make a decision on the request.

Mayor Spurlock reported on the citywide clean up set for April 23-25 and extended a second week because of rain.

"We have to set our clean-up days to go along with the half price on dumping fees at the landfill," Spurlock said. "These have proven to be very successful. We will plan another one in September when the fees will again be cut in half."

No quotes have been received for spraying the city for mosquitoes, but inquiries are still being made.

A request for a bright night light for back of city hall has been made by the Police Department.

The council discussed street paving in the new Hawkins's Development complex.

"If Justin (Hawkins) develops it then he needs to put in the streets," said Alderman Bill Hetler. "Streets on property outside of the city limits are not our responsibility."

Discussion of a newly proposed Flood Plain Ordinance was discussed to enable property owners to be eligible for flood insurance. Councilman Wilson requested the ordinance first be reviewed by the city attorney before passing.

The next regularly scheduled council meeting will be 7 p.m. Monday, June 14, at city hall.